Inoculation apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An inoculation device and method are provided. The device includes a hypodermic syringe with a hollow needle that is positioned to inject a small animal in its abdominal area with an inoculant. A work platform supports the animal during inoculation in a back down, face up orientation. Air flow sensing activation means is positioned adjacent a portion of the animal. When the animal is moved into contact with the activation means, drive means connected to the hypodermic syringe moves the needle forward to penetrate the animal after which the inoculant is injected.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation patent application of patentapplication Ser. No. 09/489,546 filed on Jan. 21, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to an apparatus for inoculating smallanimals, e.g., fowl or poultry such as chickens, turkeys, guineas,geese, ducks, pheasants, quails, etc. when they are young.

[0003] Domestically raised poultry are subject to various diseases andinfections after hatching. For the effective raising of such poultry,they need to be inoculated to reduce loss of poultry and to insureefficient growth. When a disease or infection starts in a flock, it canquickly spread to the remainder of the birds causing catastrophic loss,sometimes of the entire flock. Oftentimes the profit margin on poultryis low, so even the loss of a few birds or their failure to growefficiently, can have a substantial adverse effect on overall profits.There is thus a need for an apparatus to quickly and efficientlyinoculate a large number of birds with a high level of confidence thatall or substantially all of the birds have been effectively inoculated.For example, it is desired to effectively inoculate at least 99% ofchicks born into a flock.

[0004] Devices for inoculating poultry by automatic injection ofinoculants through a hypodermic needle and syringe are well known in theart. Such a device and corresponding method are disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,311,841, (incorporated herein by reference). The disclosed methodprovides a major advance in the effective inoculation of poultry whenthey are in the chick stage. The inoculation, according to the disclosedmethod, is done when the chicks are young and still have their yolksacs. The yolk sac is relatively small on the major surface and thin andthe needle needs to be accurately directed and positioned to insure thetip of the needle is located in the sac when the inoculants areinjected. In order to handle the large number of birds encountered at atypical large poultry farm, the device needs to be quick and efficientto use. However, the bird needs to be properly positioned relative tothe injection needle and relative to the ground and held in thatposition for proper inoculation. Also, the inoculation device needs toinclude a positive trigger mechanism to automatically activate thesyringe and needle.

[0005] Because many birds will be processed in succession, there is aneed to sanitize the needle without stopping inoculation to effectsanitizing. It is preferred that the needle be continuously sanitizedwith minimal clean up and waste of disinfectant. Sanitization is known,see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,590 wherein a sprayer is used tosanitize the needle. This system however requires cleanup of the sprayfrom inside the housing and is sprayed at intervals. Also, the exteriorsurface of the needle is not wiped during such spray cleaning.

[0006] The working environment in poultry farms is oftentimes wet. Thispresents concerns for worker safety particularly when using poweroperated devices since many are powered at least in part by electricity.It would be desirable to eliminate the risk of electrical shock toworkers by providing an inoculator that can be operated without the useof electricity and still provide the ability to have an effectiveautomatic operation control system.

[0007] Various types of medicaments are used for inoculation. Somemedicaments are mixed together so that only one injection is required tocomplete the inoculation. However, it has been found that themedicaments can physically separate whereby the inoculant is not uniformthroughout the container. The inoculant needs to be agitated orotherwise mixed, preferably continuously, to insure uniformity andthereby effectiveness of the inoculation. Thus, there is a need for aninoculating device that insures uniformity of inoculant when injected.Further, the agitation is desirably achieved without the use ofelectricity at the inoculator.

[0008] Many devices are available for such inoculations but have one ormore of the above described drawbacks. Thus, there is a need for anapparatus and method for improved inoculations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Among the several objects and features of the present inventionmay be noted the provision of an inoculation apparatus that improvesupon the currently available devices; the provision of an inoculationapparatus that is easy and efficient to use; the provision of aninoculation apparatus that reduces the need for stopping inoculation tosanitize the needle and that provides an improved sanitizer that canclean the needle between each injection; the provision of an inoculationapparatus that is effective and efficient in inoculating large numbersof birds in a short period of time; the provision of an inoculationapparatus that provides improved positioning of the bird relative to theneedle and horizontal (the ground) for inoculation; the provision of aninoculation apparatus which reliably triggers movement of the hypodermicneedle to the extended or inoculating position; the provision of aninoculation apparatus that eliminates the risk of electrical shock whileproviding an automatic operation control system; and the provision of amethod of inoculation that stabilizes and enhances the inoculationtarget area of the bird.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention includes an apparatus forinjecting an object with a fluid. The apparatus comprises a hypodermicsyringe and a needle mounted on the syringe. The needle is movable on adrive path for injection of the object. Drive means connect to thehypodermic syringe and are operable to selectively move the needlebetween an extended position and a retracted position. A conduit forflow of fluid has an outlet for flow of fluid therethrough. The outletis positioned relative to the needle so that an object in the drive pathof the needle may partially block the outlet to restrict flow of fluidthrough the outlet. A pressure sensor for sensing a change in pressurein the conduit resulting from restriction of fluid flow through theoutlet activates the drive means whereby the drive means moves theneedle to the extended position in response to the change in pressure.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention includes an apparatus forinjecting a small animal with a fluid, wherein the animal has anabdominal area. The apparatus comprises a hypodermic syringe and aneedle mounted on the syringe. The needle is movable on a drive path forinjection of the animal. A cradle adjacent the needle is adapted forpositioning the animal to be injected in a face up position relative tothe needle so that the abdominal area of the animal is exposed forpenetration by the needle. Drive means connected to the hypodermicsyringe are operable to selectively move the needle between an extendedposition and a retracted position.

[0012] Yet another aspect of the present invention includes an apparatusfor injecting a small animal with a fluid. The apparatus comprises ahypodermic syringe, a needle mounted on the syringe and a drive meansconnected to the syringe. The drive means is operable to selectivelymove the needle between an extended position and a retracted position. Apositioning device positioned adjacent the needle is adapted forpositioning the animal to be injected relative to the needle. Thepositioning device includes a cradle extending from the housing andopening generally upwardly. The cradle has a portion defining an openingfor receiving a posterior portion of the animal to facilitatepositioning the animal relative to the needle.

[0013] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in partpointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for inoculating smallanimals;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the inoculating apparatuswith portions broken away to illustrate components mounted inside theapparatus;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a front end view of the apparatus showing a cradle onone end of the apparatus;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the control circuit and cylindersused to operate the apparatus;

[0018]FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the hypodermic needlesanitizing device shown in side elevation;

[0019]FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a device for agitatingthe inoculant; and

[0020]FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the syringe with portions brokenaway to show internal detail of the syringe.

[0021] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The reference numeral 10 (FIG. 1) designates generally apparatusfor inoculating small animals 12 such as poultry, including, chickens,turkeys, ducks, geese, guineas, pheasants, quails, etc. Preferably,poultry is inoculated when it is young and still has a yolk sac that ispositioned in the abdomen of the bird. The apparatus 10 generallyincludes a housing or frame 14, a syringe 16, a hollow needle 18, adrive 20 operable to move the needle 18 along a drive path between anextended position and a retracted position (FIGS. 1, 2 and 7). Theapparatus 10 also includes a trigger mechanism, designated generally as22, that actuates movement of the needle 18 (FIG. 3). A retention orwork platform 24 which includes a cradle 25 is provided in which theanimal 12 is placed for locating it in the drive path relative to theneedle 18 for inoculation when the needle moves to its extended positionalong the drive path (FIGS. 3 and 5). To maintain the needle 18sanitized, a needle sanitizer, designated generally as 27, is provided.Inoculant 29 is contained in a container 30 and is fed to the needle 18through the syringe 16 as is known in the art. The inoculant 29 in thecontainer 30 is maintained mixed by an agitation device, designatedgenerally as 32, carried by the housing 14.

[0023] The housing 14 includes a first case 34 for containing theoperation control system (hereinafter described). The case 34 includessix walls (designated respectively by the reference numerals 35-40) andis a generally rectangular solid in shape. One or more walls can beremovable to provide access to the interior of the case 34. As shown,the top wall 40 and one end wall 39 are connected together forming a lidthat can be separated from the remainder of the case walls by removal ofthe screws 41. A pressure gauge 43 is mounted in a side wall 36 so itcan be viewed by an operator. Also, adjustable controls, including thepressure regulator knob 44, the counter 45, the master control switch 46and a reset operator 47 are mounted on the case 34 and as shown, theknob 44 is mounted above the wall 40 and the counter, control switch andreset operator are mounted on the wall 36 for manipulation by theoperator of the apparatus.

[0024] The housing 14 also includes a second case 51. Preferably, thesecond case 51 houses various moving parts and operation control devices(hereinafter described) of the apparatus 10 and like the case 34, hassix walls (designated respectively by the reference numerals 53-58).Preferably, the top wall 57 is movable or removable to provide access tothe interior 60 of the second case 51 and the parts mounted therein. Asshown, the top wall 51 is a lid hingedly mounted on the end wall 56 witha hinge 62 for pivoting movement between open and closed positions. Twoports 64 are provided through the top wall 57 for conduits 66, 67 toextend through to be connected to the syringe 16 and a disinfectant pump(hereinafter described). Preferably, the housing 14 is made of metalsuch as stainless steel which is easy to clean and is corrosionresistant. The cases 34, 51 are joined together at a joint by suitablefasteners, such as toggle clamps 71. The first and second cases 34, 51can thus be separated for maintenance, cleaning, etc. The second case 51preferably contains no control circuit devices that can be damaged bycleaning and is separated from the first case 34 for cleaning, e.g., byimmersion in a cleaning liquid. The case 51 has a bottom wall 54 that isangled from horizontal (the ground) at an angle A in the range of about20° through about 60° and preferably in the range of about 30° throughabout 45°.

[0025] As seen in FIG. 2 the apparatus 10 includes the hypodermicsyringe 16, such as a model 516000 syringe made by Wings. The syringe 16is mounted in a guide support 76 for linear movement between an extendedposition and a retracted position. The syringe 16 has the hollowhypodermic needle 18 mounted on the forward end (FIG. 7). The needle 18is connected in fluid flow communication with a metering chamber 78 inthe syringe 16. The metering chamber 78 is in turn connected in fluidflow communication to the source of inoculant 29 or vaccine, which isshown as the container 30, via the conduit 66. The inoculant 29 flows bythe influence of gravity from the container 30 to the syringe 16metering chamber 78 or could be pumped if desired. Pumping can be doneat least in part by negative pressure created in metering chamber 78when a piston 79 moves from its extended position to its retractedposition. A check valve 77 is provided between the conduit 66 andmetering chamber 78 to prevent flow of inoculant from the chamber backinto the conduit during inoculation.

[0026] The syringe 16 includes the piston 79 with a plunger 80 extendingout of the rearward end of the syringe. The piston 79 is spring loadedto return the piston to a rearward or retracted position. A spring 82 ispositioned between a syringe housing 83 and a shoulder formed by aconnector 85 and is normally compressed providing force to help returnthe piston 79 to the retracted position. Drive 20 is provided and isoperably connected to the syringe 16 to effect linear movement of thesyringe 16 and needle 18 between their retracted positions (shown inFIG. 2) and extended positions. A preferred drive 20 includes apneumatic cylinder 87 that is connected to the syringe 16 by theconnector 85. Preferably the connection provides for easy connection anddisconnection of the syringe 16 from the cylinder 87. As shown, thecylinder 87 has a coupling 89 connected to its piston rod 90. Thecoupling 89 is preferably made of a plastic such as nylon. The coupling89 includes an open channel 92 which receives the syringe connector 85.The connector 85 and coupling 89 are retained against relativelongitudinal movement by an E-ring 93 mounted on the plunger 80 andreceived in a groove 94 in the coupling 89. This arrangement permitseasy disconnection by moving the connector 85 and E-ring 93 out throughthe opening 95 of the channel 92. The width of the opening 95 is smallerthan the diameter of the connector 85 whereby the connector 85 isreleasably retained in the coupling 89.

[0027] A base plate 101 is mounted in the case 51 in a manner that willpermit its selective movement. The base plate 101 is mounted so it canbe moved transversely of the case 51. As seen in FIG. 2, the base plate101 is generally rectangular having opposing longitudinal side edges102, 103 and opposing end edges 104, 105. The side edges 102, 103 eachhave a plurality of spaced slots 107 extending transversely into thebase plate 101 from a respective side edge 102, 103. A fastener 108,such as a screw, extends through each slot 107 and is received through arespective aperture in the bottom wall 54 and is secured in place, aswith nuts 109, thereby securing the base plate 101 in place inside thecase 51. The slots 107 allow the base plate 10 to be positioned in adesired transverse position. The base plate 101 also has an elongategroove 111 extending longitudinally of the base plate 101 between theend edges 104, 105.

[0028] The guide support 76 is secured inside the case 51 in anysuitable manner for selective longitudinal movement in the case. Theguide support 76 includes a generally U-shaped frame comprising a pairof upright legs 114, 115 and a base 116. As shown, the base 116 isreceived in the groove 111 for linear movement therein. The base 116 hasan elongate slot 118 therethrough. A mechanical fastener such as a stud119 secured in the base plate 101 extends through the slot 118. Athreaded fastener such as a wing nut 120 is threaded onto the stud 119and when tightened, fixes the longitudinal position of the guide support76 on the base plate 101 in the case 51. The edges of the groove 111prevent rotational movement of the guide support 76 about the stud 119on the base plate 101. The transverse movement of the base plate 101 andthe longitudinal movement of the guide support 76 on the base plate 101permit the transverse and longitudinal adjustment of the position of theguide support 76 and components mounted thereon including the needle 18.Also, the base plate 101, guide support 76 and components are removablefrom the housing 51 facilitating repair, maintenance and cleaning.

[0029] The cylinder 87 is mounted on the leg 114. The syringe 16 ismovably mounted on the leg 115 in a race 122 for linear movementtherein. The race 122 has an open top 123 and has a round through borewith a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the syringe 16therein for a slip fit. The open top 123 is smaller transversely thanthe syringe 16 diameter so that the syringe is releasably retained inthe race 122. Preferably the race 122 is made from a low frictionmaterial such as Delrin, a self lubricating plastic. The cylinder 87,piston and piston rod 90 are coaxial with the syringe 16, piston 79 andneedle 18. Movement of the cylinder piston forward first moves thesyringe 16 forward in the race 122 until a flange 125 on the syringe 16engages the guide support 76. A resilient cushion 126 such as an O-ringcan be positioned on the syringe 16 between the flange 125 and the guidesupport 76 to cushion the impact therebetween. The forward motion of thesyringe 16 and needle 18 stop when the flange 16 (or O-ring 126) engagesthe guide support 76.

[0030] After forward movement of the syringe 16 and needle 18 stop, theforward motion of the cylinder piston rod 90 continues. With the forwardmotion of the syringe 16 stopped, the syringe piston 79 then begins tomove forward within the syringe 16 in the chamber 78 compressing thespring 82. Inoculant 29 contained in the syringe chamber 78 ispressurized and ejected through the needle 18 and into the animal to beinoculated. As seen in FIG. 7, the syringe 16 includes a valve 128. Thevalve 128 is preloaded with the bias of a spring 129 to hold the valveelement 130 in engagement with the valve seat 131. When a predeterminedpressure is reached in the syringe chamber 78, the bias is overcome andthe inoculant in the chamber 78 flows through the needle 18. The use ofsuch a pressure release valve 128 prevents the inoculant 29 from flowingthrough the needle 18 until the predetermined pressure is attainedthereby preventing leaking. A pre-measured dose of inoculant 29 isdelivered because the syringe 16 is a positive displacement pump. Theretraction of the needle 18 from its forward most position is fastenough to prevent drawing liquid contents of the animal back into theneedle. The syringe 16 can have the volume of the inoculant chamberchanged, as is known in the art, for example by providing a syringepiston 79 of a different length changing the volume of the syringechamber 78. A typical inoculation dosage for a chick is in the range ofabout 0.1 ml through about 0.5 ml and preferably about 0.2 ml.

[0031] Preferably the cylinder 87 is a single acting cylinder withspring return. Pressurized air from an air source 133 is supplied fromthe source through a pressure regulator 137, a conduit 134 and a controlvalve 135 to selectively move piston rod 90 of the cylinder 87 to itsextended position (FIGS. 2 and 4). The spring in the cylinder 87 willreturn the piston 79, needle 18 and syringe 16 to their retractedpositions when the pressurized air in the cylinder is released throughan exhaust port in the on-off switch 46. Also, the cylinder 87 could bea double acting cylinder, if desired, using pressurized air forextension and retraction.

[0032] A needle guide tube 139 is secured to the case 51 and ispositioned to permit the needle 18 to move therethrough between theextended and retracted positions of the needle (FIGS. 2, 3 and 5). Theguide tube 139 has a nipple 140 that projects outwardly from the endwall 58 a distance in the range of between about 0.5 through about 0.75cm. The guide tube 139 is suitably secured to the wall 58 such as bywelding. The elongate bore 142 through the guide tube 139 is coaxialwith the needle 18 and the needle is preferably positioned in theapproximate center of the bore 142. The retracted position of the needle18 preferably leaves the needle point inside the guide tube 139. Forchicks, the needle 18, in its extended position, extends from the distalend 141 of the guide tube 139 a distance in the range of about 2 mmthrough about 3 mm as measured from the rearward end of the bevel on theneedle end to the distal end 141 of the guide tube 139.

[0033] The nipple 140 is positioned above the upwardly facing supportsurface 168 of the cradle 25 a distance D′ in the range of about 1.5 cmand about 2.0 cm as measured from the lower most disposed portion of thesurface 168. The nipple 140 is preferably generally round in transversecross section and has a diameter in the range of about 0.25 cm throughabout 0.4 cm at least at the distal end 141.

[0034] The apparatus 14 is provided with means 27 for sanitizing theneedle 18. As shown in FIG. 5, a porous member 143 is installed ormounted in an enlarged bore 144 in a tubular housing 145. The bores 142,144 are preferably generally coaxial. The housing 145 is secured to thenipple 140. The porous member 143 is preferably soft for penetration bythe needle and can be made of, e.g., polyester felt. Also, it ispreferred that the porous member 143 be in contact with the needle 18 toapply disinfectant 147 directly to the needle and wipe the needle ofdebris. The bore 144 of the housing 145 and hence the porous member 143are connected in flow communication with a source 148 of disinfectant147 such as alcohol. The porous member 143 absorbs disinfectant 147 andholds disinfectant metered to it for subsequent application to theneedle 18. It is preferred that the disinfectant 147 be fed to theporous member 143 in a positive and metered fashion to insure adequateapplication but not over application of the disinfectant to the needle18. A preferred metering system includes a pneumatic positivedisplacement pump 69 such as piston pump. A suitable pump 69 is a modelN700500 made by Wings. The pump 69, when activated, will deliver apredetermined amount of disinfectant 147 to the porous member 143 via aconduit 151 connecting the pump in flow communication with the porousmember. It is preferred that the pump 69 be activated by the cyclecounter 45, such as a Wings model 501000, to operate the pumpsequentially. The counter 45 is operable to count the number of needlemovements and hence inoculations. The preferred counter 45 is a countdown counter. When a preset number of cycles has been achieved, e.g.100, the counter 45 activates a valve 153. The valve 153 is shown aspart of the counter reset 47. The valve 153 allows air to flow to apneumatic cylinder 154 connected to the pump 69 to effect a pump strokeand delivery of a predetermined amount of disinfectant to the porousmember 143. The pump 69 is in flow communication between the source 156of disinfectant and the porous member 143 via conduits 151, 67.Preferably, the pump 69 has built in valving to prevent flow ofdisinfectant 147 to the porous member 143 without pump activation andprevent flow back to the source of disinfectant during pumping. A checkvalve 157 prevents back flow to the source 156, such as a container, anda pressure release valve 158 is in the outlet of the pump 69. Thepressure release valve 158 prevents flow until a predetermined pressureis reached in the pump 69. This prevents flow of disinfectant 147 to theporous member 143 until the pump 69 is activated to pressurize thedisinfectant 147 in the pump. The porous member 143 will apply thedisinfectant 147 to the needle 18 on every movement of the needle eventhough the disinfectant is supplied to the porous member incrementallyor sequentially. By controlling the feed of disinfectant 147 andapplying the disinfectant directly to the exterior of the needle 18,little if any waste of disinfectant occurs and there is little if anydisinfectant to clean up.

[0035] As shown, the container 156 is mounted in a stand 160 that issuitably mounted on the case 34. The container 156 is positioned at anelevated position relative to the pump 69 and the porous member 143 toallow gravity to induce flow of the disinfectant 147 to the pump 69 andhence the porous member 143. The use of the pump 69 insures positivedelivery of disinfectant 147 and also permits intermittent delivery in acontrolled manner. As shown, the pump 69 is mounted in the case 51 bysuitable securement to the side wall 55.

[0036] To insure effectiveness of the inoculation, particularly wheninjecting into the yolk sac, the bird being inoculated needs to bepositively and properly positioned relative to the needle 18. The workplatform 24, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3 is provided to position thechick 12 relative to the needle 18 for inoculation. The work platform 24includes the cradle 25 secured to the wall 58 adjacent the guide tube139, nipple 140 and the trigger mechanism 22, for example withmechanical fasteners 163 through laterally extending ears 164.

[0037] The cradle 25 projects outwardly from the wall 58 and is upwardlyopening for ease of bird positioning. The cradle 25 is in the shape of atrough that is arcuate in transverse cross section. The cradle 25 ispreferably sized and shaped such that when a chick is placed therein,the yolk sac will maintain its shape and position to help insure properinoculation when the abdomen is placed against the distal end 141 of thenipple 140. For use with chicken chicks, the cradle 25 has a length L ofabout 3 cm, a width W at the open top of about 3 cm and a depth D ofabout 1 cm. The cradle 25 is preferably made of metal such as stainlesssteel to facilitate cleaning.

[0038] A hatch or opening 166 is provided at the juncture between thecradle 25 and the end wall 58 and extends longitudinally into the cradle25 toward a free (e.g., outer or distal) end 169 of the cradle. Theopening 166 is positioned in the lower most portion of the cradle 25 andunder the nipple 140. The opening 166 facilitates positioning of thebird 12 relative to the needle 18 and the nipple 140 and allows for amore sanitary structure during operation to prevent the collection orbuild up of vented waste. The opening 166 is shown as an elongate slotand is sized to receive the tail portion or posterior 167 of a chick 12.The opening 166 has a width in the range of between about 0.8 cm throughabout 1 cm and a length, as measured from the end wall 58, in the rangeof between about 0.9 cm through about 1.1 cm. A crossbar 165 is securedto the cradle 25 adjacent the end wall 58 and the opening 166 and ispreferably arcuate and spaced from the support surface 168 of thecradle. The maximum spacing between the crossbar 165 and the supportsurface 168 is located above the opening 166 and is in the range ofabout 0.7 cm through about 0.9 cm. The crossbar 165, support surface 168and the edges of the opening 166 form a yoke for receiving andrestraining the rearward or posterior end 167 of a chick 12 againstmovement while forcing the chick's tail portion downward and abdomen upto help position the yolk sac.

[0039] The cradle support surface 168 is preferably inclined upwardlyrelative to horizontal. It has been found that having a chick 12inclined with the head of the chick 12 at the high end as opposed tohorizontal reduces struggle by the chick during inoculation. Thisinclined position is also more ergonomic for the operator. The angle ofincline A′ is that angle between the longitudinal axis of the cradle 25,which is generally parallel to the lowermost disposed portion or nadirof the support surface 168 extending between the opposite end of thecradle, and horizontal and is in the range of about 20° through about60° and preferably in the range of about 30° through about 45°. Theneedle 18 moves in a path generally parallel to or in a plane thatextends generally vertically through the longitudinal axis of the cradle25. It also moves at an angle A″ relative to the longitudinal axis ofthe cradle 25 in the range of about −5° (downwardly and away from thelongitudinal axis) through about 5° (upwardly and away from thelongitudinal axis) as seen in FIG. 5. The preferred angle A″ is in therange of about +1° through about +3°. The chick 12 has a coronal planethat is generally parallel to it backbone. Thus, the coronal plane ofthe chick 12, when in the cradle 25, is positioned at an angle relativeto horizontal in the range of about 20° through about 60° and preferablyin the range of about 30° through about 45°.

[0040] The work platform 24 includes an arcuate fence 170 secured to andextending between opposite sides of the cradle 25 at the wall end of thecradle. The projection height H (in the longitudinal direction of thecradle 25 as seen if FIG. 5) of the fence is in the range of about 1.5cm through about 2.0 cm. The fence 170 and the cradle 25 cooperate toform a generally circular ring adjacent to the end wall 58. The diameterof the ring is in the range of between about 3.0 cm through about 4.0 cmand can be adjusted via the screw 171. The fence 170 helps position thebird by surrounding the abdomen area so the abdomen is aligned andconstrained for penetration by the needle 18. The needle 18, nipple 140,and the trigger mechanism 22 are positioned inside the ring formed bythe fence 170 and cradle 25.

[0041] The trigger mechanism 22 is operably connected to a controlcircuit operable to activate or otherwise trigger movement of the needle18 between its extended and retracted positions. As seen in FIGS. 3 and4, the trigger mechanism 22 comprises a conduit 173 in flowcommunication at one end with the source 133 of pressurized air andextending out through the end wall 58 below the guide tube 139 to adistal end 174 of the conduit. Air flows continuously from the source133 of pressurized air through a flow passage 172 of the conduit 173 andout through an opening 174′ in the distal end of the conduit to helpkeep the flow passage free of debris. However, it is understood thatpressurized air could flow from the environment in through the opening174′ and through the flow passage 172. The distal end 174 of the conduit173 forms a valve seat at the opening 174′ and selectively cooperateswith a portion of the animal 12 to form a valve that can at leastpartially block the flow of air through the flow passage 172. A pressuresensitive valve 175, such as a signal amplifier valve model VL34H20 fromFesto, is connected to the conduit 173 and is operable to sense the airpressure therein. When the flow passage 172 is at least partiallyblocked or obstructed, the air pressure in the conduit 173 willincrease. When a predetermined pressure is achieved in the conduit 173,a controller 177, such as a micro timer from Wings, model 552000, willbe activated. The controller 177 can include an air flow rate regulatorwhich is adjustable to control the operating speeds of the variouscylinders. The sensitivity of activation of the pressure sensitive valve175 is adjustable by adjusting the air flow through the flow passage 172with the flow regulator 176, such as a Festo model GR 1/8 that isconnected in the conduit 173. Activation of the pressure sensitive valve175 allows full pressure air to flow through the conduit 187 through thevalve 175 to the controller 177. The controller 177 is operablyconnected to the valve 135 via a conduit 178. When the controller 177 isactivated, it in turn activates the valve 135 allowing pressurized airto flow through the conduits 134, 181, 184 from the source 133 to thecylinder 87 urging the cylinder to move the syringe 16 and needle 18 totheir extended positions. The controller 177, after a predetermined timecloses the valve 135 to preclude pressurized air from reaching thecylinders 32, 87. The pressurized air is exhausted through the on-offswitch 46 allowing the cylinders 32, 87 to retract. The controller 177is connected to the signal amplifier valve 175 via the conduit 179.

[0042] A stand 190 is mounted on the housing 14 and is operable tosupport the container 30 of inoculant 29. Preferably, the container 30is positioned at an elevated position relative to the syringe 16 forgravity flow assistance. Means can be provided for keeping the inoculant29 mixed in the container 30 during operation of the apparatus 14.Preferably, the means is carried by the case 51 and is operable tocontinuously mix or agitate the inoculant 29 in the container 30. Asbest seen in FIG. 6, the stand 190 is mounted in a tube 192 that issecured to the lid 40. The cylinder 32 is mounted on the tube 190 and ispreferably coaxial with the bore in which the stand 190 is mounted. Asseen in FIG. 4, the cylinder 32 is connected in flow communication tothe conduit 134 as is the syringe cylinder 87. Every time the syringecylinder 87 is activated for extension, the cylinder 32 is alsoactivated. The piston rod 193 of the cylinder 32 moves axially insidethe tube 192 moving the stand 190 and container 30 up and down with eachstroke. The movement mixes the inoculant 29 in the container 30 byshaking. The movement is about ¼″. The vibration has been found adequateto keep components of the inoculant 29 from separating during operationof the apparatus 14. When the syringe cylinder 87 retracts, so does thecylinder 32. The cylinder 32 is then ready to be reactivated for mixingthe inoculant 29.

[0043] In operation, an animal 12 such as a chick is placed in thecradle 25 tail or posterior 167 first. The tail portion 167 is placed inthe opening 166 and under the crossbar 165. The abdomen is moved intoengagement with the opening 174′ and the nipple 140. The chick 12 isheld firmly against the distal end of the nipple 140 and the valve seatat the opening 174′ of the distal end 174 of the conduit 173 ispartially or completely blocked, raising the air pressure in theconduit. The distal end 141 of the nipple 140 engages the abdomen areaof the chick at the yolk sac which is just below or to the side of wherethe umbilical was attached. By pressing the abdomen against the nipple140, the skin is stretched over the distal end 141 cinching the skin inplace which facilitates entry and retraction of the needle 18. It alsohelps prevent subsequent leakage of fluid from the chick at the needleentry point. The signal amplifier 175 is activated by the increased airpressure which in turn activates the controller 177 and thus theextension of the cylinders 32 and 87. The needle 18 moves forward andpenetrates the bird 12 and the inoculant 29 is injected into the bird,e.g., in the yolk sac. The needle 18 then retracts and the bird 12 isremoved from the cradle 25. After a predetermined number of injectionsor needle movements, a quantity of disinfectant 147 is dispensed to theporous member 143 to replenish the supply of disinfectant in the porousmember. The dispensing of disinfectant 147 to the porous member 143preferably occurs when the counter 45 reaches 0 and is reset for thepreset quantity. Resetting is accomplished by activating the counterreset 47. The needle cleaning occurs during operation of the apparatus14 and the disinfectant 147 is contained during dispensing andapplication to the needle 18.

[0044] The operating control system is shown in FIG. 4. The systemincludes the source 133 of pressurized air. It is connected by a conduit181 to the pressure regulator 137 which preferably includes an airfilter device such as a Norgren model B07-101-mika. The pressureregulator 137 is adjusted with the knob 44. The gauge 43 is connected inthe conduit 181 to show the operating pressure which is preferably inthe range of between about 40 psi and about 60 psi. The main controlon-off switch 46 is connected to the air supply conduit 181 and ispreferably a three position valve such as a Wings model 508000. Thethree positions include off, on and manual. When off, no pressurized airis supplied beyond the valve 46 to the control system. When in manual,air is supplied to the cylinder 87 to move it, the syringe 16 and theneedle 18 to their fully extended positions for position adjustmentand/or verification of adjustment. When the valve 46 is in the onposition, the control system is activated and ready to operate.

[0045] The flow passage 172 is at least partially blocked by an animalthereby increasing the pressure in the conduit 173. As described above,the distal end 174 of the conduit 173 forms a valve seat at the opening174′ and the chick functions as a valve seal element forming a valve onthe distal end. The valve formed by the opening 174′ and the animal 12is characterized by an absence of a valve seat and valve seal elementcontained therein. The signal amplifier valve 175 is activated which inturn activates the controller 177 which is connected in flowcommunication to the signal amplifier by conduit 179. The controller 177is connected in flow communication with the counter 45 at its count portZ and output signal port A by conduits 182, 183 respectively. Thecounter 45, if count down, has a preset quantity and counts oneactivation or shot and reduces the preset count or subsequent count byone. The controller 177, when activated by the signal amplifier valve175 opens the valve 135 for a predetermined time to let pressurized airflow to the cylinders 32, 87. Also, an alarm device such as a whistle184, such as Wings Model 512032 is connected in flow communication withthe controller 177 and counter 45 by conduit 183. When the zero count isreached, i.e., a predetermined number of inoculations have been made,pressurized air flows to the whistle 184 producing an alarm soundletting the operator know that the inoculations for that round or groupare completed. The valve 135 is also connected in flow communicationwith the controller 177 via conduit 178. Air from the controller 177activates the valve 135 allowing air from the conduit 185 to flow thruthe valve 85 and conduit 134 to the syringe and agitator cylinders 87,32 forcing them to extend. As shown, the conduit 134 to the syringe istwo piece allowing it to be separated at a coupling 186 mounted on thewall 38 so the two cases 34, 51 can be easily separated. 5 After thecylinders 87, 32 have extended, the pressurized air is released via theon-off switch 46 and the cylinders can return to their normal retractedpositions.

[0046] The counter 45 is connected at the air supply port P in flowcommunication with the valve 46 via conduit 187. The counter reset 47 isconnected in flow communication with the conduit 187 and the counter 45via conduit 188. When the counter reset 47 is activated, pressurized airis supplied to a reset port Y of the counter via conduit 188. Theconduit 188 is two piece and includes a coupling 189 that is mounted inthe wall 38 to facilitate separation of the cases 34, 5 1. Whenpressurized air is supplied to the counter 45 at the reset port Y, thecounter 47 is returned to its preset number or quantity and is ready tobegin a new countdown series. At reset activation, the pump cylinder 154effects pumping of disinfectant 29 to the porous member 143 from thecontainer 156 via conduits 67, 5 1. When the counter has reached thezero count, if a count down type, the system cannot be activated untilthe counter 45 is reset.

[0047] The control system also includes the flow regulator 176 connectedin flow communication with the valve 46 via conduit 187 and to thesignal amplifier 175 via conduit 173. The flow regulator 176 is operableto adjust the sensitivity needed to activate the signal amplifier valve175. The more air that flows through the conduit 173, the less blockageof the opening 174′ is needed to activate the syringe cylinder 87,agitator cylinder 32, controller 177 and counter 45. The signalamplifier 175 is also connected in flow communication with the valve 46via conduit 187 connected to the input port P′ to provide full pressureair to the downstream control circuit elements. Thus, the controlcircuit is completely pneumatically operated not requiring or using anyelectronic components.

[0048] When introducing elements of the present invention or thepreferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and“said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements.The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to beinclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than thelisted elements.

[0049] As various changes could be made in the above constructionswithout departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

1. Apparatus for injecting an object with a fluid, comprising: ahypodermic syringe; a needle mounted on the syringe, said needle beingmovable on a drive path for injection of said object; drive meansconnected to the hypodermic syringe and operable to selectively move theneedle between an extended position and a retracted position; a conduitfor flow of fluid having an outlet for flow of fluid therethrough, saidoutlet being positioned relative to said needle so that an object in thedrive path of said needle may partially block said outlet to restrictflow of fluid through said outlet; and a pressure sensor for sensing achange in pressure in said conduit resulting from restriction of fluidflow through said outlet to activate the drive means whereby the drivemeans moves the needle to the extended position in response to thechange in pressure.
 2. An apparatus for injecting a small animal with afluid, the animal having an abdominal area, said apparatus comprising: ahypodermic syringe; a needle mounted on the syringe, said needle beingmovable on a drive path for injection of said animal; a cradle adjacentsaid needle and adapted for positioning the animal to be injected in aface up position relative to the needle so that the abdominal area ofthe animal is exposed for penetration by the needle; and drive meansconnected to the hypodermic syringe and operable to selectively move theneedle between an extended position and a retracted position.
 3. Anapparatus for injecting a small animal with a fluid, said apparatuscomprising: a hypodermic syringe; a needle mounted on the syringe; drivemeans connected to the syringe and operable to selectively move theneedle between an extended position and a retracted position; and apositioning device positioned adjacent the needle and adapted forpositioning the animal to be injected relative to the needle, saidpositioning device includes a cradle extending from the housing andopening generally upwardly, the cradle having a portion defining anopening for receiving a posterior portion of the animal to facilitatepositioning the animal relative to the needle.
 4. An apparatus as setforth in claim 3 wherein the cradle includes an upwardly facing supportsurface with its lower most portion positioned at an angle in the rangeof about 20° through about 60° relative to horizontal.
 5. An apparatusas set forth in claim 4 including a crossbar positioned adjacent to anend of the retention device most adjacent the housing and spaced fromthe support surface for receiving the posterior portion of the animalbetween the bar and the support surface.
 6. An apparatus as set forth inclaim 5 including an opening through the support surface adjacent thehousing and the bar, said opening being adapted to receive the posteriorportion of the animal therein.